See more on page 21-22 or on our Events page at
www.springgardenchurch.ca/events.

June's Delve submissions are due
May 20, Victoria Day Monday. Delve
submissions are due on the MONDAY
before the LAST Sunday of each
month. To submit for the next issue
of Delve, please e-mail:
delve@springgardenchurch.ca

Why don’t you give out a colouring page to keep
the children busy?” This is the first question
that comes to mind when we think about how to
keep our children involved in worship. “At least,
it keeps them busy right?” Although we have been
tempted to fill the morning worship gathering with
colouring pages, we have intentionally stayed away
from it because we believe that children and youth
are important in worship. Worship is not something
that is just for adults but rather is for the whole
community of God. Young or old, single or married,
every generation is welcomed and is needed if we
are to declare that our God is a God of community
and love.
So why are we introducing a colouring page? Well
it’s not just a colouring page. We (Dale more than
Sam) have spent time creating a worship listening
page as a way to encourage the children to be more
engaged with what is happening in worship. We
hope that the children may use the new worship
listening page as a way to be more engaged in
worship than to just keep them busy. This is within
our desire to help our young people to see the
morning worship gathering as a time for them and
not something that they have to endure until they
head downstairs.
We believe that the presence of children (including
infants) are important in our worship. We believe
that even if our children are not always engaged,
God has “prepared praise from the mouths of
children and nursing infants” (Matthew 21:16).
Their presence in our worship gathering is a small
step in discipling our children. We know that it
takes more than a worship listening page to disciple
our children, but as we continue to raise our
children, these small steps can become habits that
will help them meet Jesus. We encourage you as

parents and adults to see the time of worship with our children as
not only a way to disciple our children but as a way for us to be
the community of God.
"When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and
the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will
come true:
“Death has been swallowed up
in victory.”
“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But
thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus
Christ.
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing
move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord,
because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

4

Our Journey
Update from the Interim Management Committee
by Sam Chaise
When I was in my 20s, I went to Europe with a
friend for two months. We were travelling on
the cheap and in that pre-Internet age would
usually arrive in a new city without having any
accommodation pre-arranged. It was a bit
stressful to not have everything set up in advance, but it was also
more exciting as we learned what we needed to know when we
needed to know it, on the fly.
Have you thought about the difference between a ‘trip’ and a
‘journey’? Usually we use the word ‘trip’ when we know exactly
where we’re going, how we’ll get there, and how long we’ll
be gone. In contrast, we use the word ‘journey’ for something
more extensive, where the experience of getting there is more
important than the actual destination.
Over the last year SGC has been on a journey, which began
when Gene Tempelmeyer told us that he planned to retire in
2019. We are still on that journey. So far there have been
lots of conversation, prayer, questions, possibilities raised, and
wondering about how God was leading us. Throughout there has
been the sense that we are being led, even if the pathway and
5

destination weren’t always clear. We’ve realized that we’re on a
journey, not a trip.
The entire SGC leadership and congregation are invested in this
journey, of course, but it was important to establish a smaller
group that would give special attention to this transition time, on
behalf of SGC’s leadership. This group is the Interim Management
Committee, and I’ve had the privilege of chairing this group, which
includes Lesley Alexander, Shannon Loewen, Cheryl Chapman, Greg
Kay, and Sam Lee. I’ve been grateful for the huge amount of work
these folks have undertaken to guide us on the journey. It’s been
so encouraging to have Lily Cheng join the staff team for this time,
and I hope you’ve been able to welcome her and her family to
SGC. A few weeks ago we did a survey to get input from you, the
congregation, and the results we got were very positive. We’re
using the results as a baseline set of data, and later this year will
seek your input again. It’s also been great to see Sam and Greg
engage their new roles as Co-Leads.
Our hope and prayer is that God is speaking to us and shaping us
through this transition time. When I think back to my European
experience, what I remember now are the unexpected things that
at the time were stressful but eventually became great stories.
Maybe that will happen to us at SGC, or is already happening.
During this time of journeying, it’s important for us to be honest,
loving, clear, and engaged with one another. God speaks to us in
the midst of conversation, listening, and silence, and we need to
engage in all three. If you have any thoughts or questions, feel free
to talk to Greg or Sam or any member of the Interim Management
Committee.

6

We are the yeast
by Lily Cheng
Jesus also used this illustration:

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in
making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in
three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.”
- Matthew 13:33
My heart is full of gratitude for the way our church body hosted
guests and families from the neighbourhood for Easter Brunch
and the way in which our volunteer teams served at the We
Love Willowdale Community Dinner on the one year anniversary
of the Toronto Van Attack. My prayer is that we would be the
yeast described in Matthew 13:33. Yeast is small but mighty in
impact when kneaded into dough. According to FineCooking.com
yeast not only causes dough to rise, it also strengthens the dough
and gives it flavour. This is a wonderful analogy to how we can
be agents of change that bring the flavour and strength of the
Kingdom to the world around us.
One family in North York Moms said:

“The whole event was fantastic and filled with warmth, our
sincere thanks as a family for making our first North York
event and visit to the church such a great one.”

7

Similarly, the We Love Willowdale Community Dinners brought us
another opportunity to serve our neighbouring community. It was
amazing to see such a diverse group of people come together to
share the joy of being neighbours and the pain of why we were
gathered. It also moved me to know that sprinkled into this group
of neighbours was our Spring Garden team, listening, serving and
caring for our community. Being yeast in the dough, doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean
getting everyone into our church building. Rather, it is being agents
of transformation wherever God calls us to go.
May God continue to lead us individually and corporately into
opportunities where we can continue to share Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love. Many
thanks to all the volunteers who served at these events.

Bring finger foods for refreshment time
(reimbursements available) and help clean up
esther.penner@sgbc.ca
9

Feedback Cafe

Sunday, May 26th after the
Worship Gathering
SGC is in a time of transition and the Interim Management
Committee wants to give lots of opportunity for feedback and
conversation. Many of you completed the survey we distributed in
late March, and your next opportunity for feedback is on Sunday,
May 26th. There'll be snacks to fuel your brain as you are seated
around a table that is hosted by a facilitator who will ask questions
to get your input. SGC is a congregationally-governed church and
so we want to make sure we hear from you, the congregation!
No need to register -- just show up! We expect that at the most
it will go for 45 minutes, but feel free to come and leave earlier if
you need to.

Pack a lunch and meet by
the welcome desk
after coffee time. We
will begin our time
in prayer over our
garden
and then we
12:30-1:30
will plant our vegetables.
Kids are welcome to
participate.

Plant and Pray for
our Community Garden
Sunday, May 26,

10

Lunch Together

Thursdays, 12pm - 1pm
On Thursdays from 12 noon to 1 pm we have a chance for people
to meet, talk and have lunch together. This is a great time to
share some laughs and conversation with others and we usually
end with some words of prayer. This time is open to anyone from
our neighbourhood and though currently comprised of women, it
welcomes men too! If someone is looking for a place to practice
their English please let them know! Tea and coffee is provided,
lunch is brought by the participants.
Contact Victoria Shipmaker at:
victoriashipmaker@gmail.com

Text or call Victoria @ 647 444 9320

Bible Discussion

Thursdays, 1pm - 2pm
On Thursdays from 1 pm to 2 pm we have a Bible Study that is
open to the church and our neighbours. Our topics come from
the people who participate and the discussion is based on our
understanding of the Bible. Our approach is to explore the
context of different Bible passages and ask lots of questions
about what the passage meant when it was given and how it
applies today. We share our own experiences and questions and
sometimes find answers. We often leave with more questions
which require thought and prayer. Weekly participation is not
necessary - come when you can. This is geared to anyone with
an interest in getting more familiar with God, Jesus and the Holy
Spirit and is open to anyone of any background.
Contact Victoria Shipmaker at:
victoriashipmaker@gmail.com

11

Text or call Victoria @ 647 444 9320

Pastors and Administrator
Office Hours
The Pastoral Team, made up of our Pastors and our Office and
Communications Administrator, are thankful for the opportunity to
serve in this faith community, and so in order to be as accessible as
possible, our general office hours are below.
Due to the nature of ministry, the pastors are in and out of the
office at varied times depending on the week, as well as regularly
working evenings and weekends. The days and times below do not
represent all of our work hours, they are simply the hours we are
most likely to be in or around the building; they are not guaranteed
hours where we will be free for random drop-ins, as we may be
offsite or in a meeting. Because of this, if you are looking to meet
with one of the pastors, we highly recommend you e-mail or call in
advance so we can be sure to be available when you arrive.
Our contact information can be found on page 19.

Sam Lee (Co-Lead Pastor)
Monday-Thursday 9-4*
Greg Kay (Co-Lead Pastor)
Monday-Thursday 10-5*
Jeremy Ranasinghe (Children and Youth Pastor)
Monday 9-5 Tuesday 12-6* Thursday 12-5
Lily Cheng (Community and Missions Pastor)
Monday-Thursday 9-4*
Dale Forder (Office and Communications Administrator) and
General Office Hours
Monday-Thursday 9-3:30* Off Friday - Sunday
*Please be aware that we have our weekly team meetings on Tuesdays from 1:15-3:30pm.
This is an important time of team building and ministry planning for us, therefore none of
us are available during this time period.
12

Here is an overview of what we will be talking about
on Sundays for Spring Kids.

Toddlers – SK: Community
In this series, children will learn that they are a part
of the church, and that they matter in it! Children
will be reminded that Jesus is Lord and he loves
them, and he has a place for them in his church.
“Encourage each other and build each other up.”
1 Thessalonians 5:1

April was a busy month with the Lent and Easter seasons, but we
did get a chance to play some laser tag on the 12th. The kids and
leaders had a great time together facing off against each other in
teams. While it was a fun night, I felt as though there needed to
be a short lesson on humilityâ&#x20AC;Ś so I won
Here is what's happening this May!

Sunday Morning Worship Gatherings:
May 5th, 12th, 19th- We will be having regular worship
gatherings for youth in grades 6-12. Following the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
blessing, youth will move to the youth lounge to continue in
worship.
May 26th: Sunday Upstairs- Youth are either in the large worship
gathering, or serving in other areas in the discipleship ministry.
(Please e-mail Jeremy about potential areas to serve)

Youth Life Groups:

Life Groups will happen on May 24th for the girls and 26th for the
boys. For more information email Jeremy
14

Youth Events:
May 10th: Taco Tuesday on a Friday!- Our annual taco night
will be May 10th. We will meet at Spring Garden to make taco
stuffings, eat, hang out and play some games.
Time: 6:00pm-9:30pm
Cost: $5
May 31st: Archery Tag: We will be meet at Spring Garden and
leaving for Battlesports Inc. to play a couple rounds of archery
dodgeball.
Time: 6:00pm-9:30pm
Cost: $15
Staying Updated:
To stay up to date on what is happening for your youth, please
visit our google calendar which has all our planned events
http://tinyurl.com/SGCYouth

15

Draw & Colour What You Think We
Should Plant in Our Garden

By Dale Forder

16

Recommendations

The Resource Centre

Spring Garden’s online library catalog can be accessed at
springgardenchurch.ca/library. If you know of books or DVDs
that you’d like to recommend to the Resource Centre,
please contact Karen Cassel (karen.cassel@bell.net)

Life of the beloved:
spiritual living in a
secular world

Henri Nouwen. 248.4 NOU

Initially written for a Jewish friend, Life of the
Beloved has become Henri Nouwen’s greatest
legacy to Christians around the world. This
sincere testimony of the power and invitation of
Christ is indeed a great guide to a truly uplifting
spiritual life in today’s world.

Abba’s child: the cry of
the heart for intimate
belonging

by Brennan Manning. 248.4 MAN
For everyone who has failed, stumbled, or missed
the mark, Manning has good news: God loves and
accepts you as you are! In this updated classic, he
encourages less-than-perfect Christians to replace
pretense with truthfulness and rejoice in the
grace of the one we call "Abba, Father."

17

The Passion of the Christ
DVD
This film focuses on the last 12 hours of Jesus' life and begins in the
Garden of Olives where Jesus has gone to pray after the Last Supper.
Betrayed by Judas, He is then arrested and taken within the walls of
Jerusalem where the leaders confront Jesus and his trial results in
condemnation to death.

The women of Easter: encounter the
Savior with Mary of Bethany, Mary of
Nazareth and Mary Magdalene
by Liz Curtis Higgs

With unforgettable insights and powerful life application for today's
women, Liz Curtis Higgs delves into the biblical text to help us view
Easter through the eyes of three women named Mary, each of whom
has a life-changing encounter with Jesus: Mary of Bethany, who
prepares the way for the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s burial when she anoints His feet and
fills the air with her perfume; Mary of Nazareth, who remains by His
side from His first breath to His last, her loyalty unwavering; and
Mary Magdalene, delivered of seven demons, who bravely supports
her Teacher through His darkest hours, then proclaims the glorious
news of His resurrection
What a trio. What a Savior!

Held in the meeting
room.
We are continuing
our study of
Matthew's gospel.
Everyone is
welcome, bring
your Bible if you
have one.

ESL CAFE

Wednesdays
7pm - 8:30pm
We meet at Spring
Garden Church in
the East Lounge.
A place to practice
your English and
meet new friends.

PASTORAL TEAM
MEETING
Tuesdays
1:15pm - 3:30pm

We meet in the
meeting room every
Tuesday. Please pray
for us for wisdom and
inspiration.

LUNCH TOGETHER
12pm - 1pm

Eat and Share
some laughs and
conversation with
others and words of
prayer.
Text or call
Victoria @
647 444 9320

BIBLE DISCUSSION
1pm - 2pm

Bible Study that is
open to the church
and our neighbours.
victoriashipmaker@
gmail.com

Text or call
Victoria @
647 444 9320

You may find more info at springgardenchurch.ca, in the
21 welcome brochure or call us at 416-223-4593.

Upcoming
MAY

Youth Taco Tuesday on a Friday!

10

6pm - 9:30pm
See page 15.

MAY

Single Moms Mother's Day Appreciation Dinner

12

3pm - 8:30pm
See page 9 about volunteering!

MAY

Girl's Youth Life Group

24
MAY

See page 14.

Feedback Cafe

26

Join us after the worship gathering during snack time to eat and
give your feedback about our transition. See more on page 10.

MAY

Plant & Pray for our Community Garden

26
MAY

26
MAY

31
JUNE

2
JUNE

15

12:30pm - 1:30pm
After snack time or Feedback Cafe, join us to pray and to work in the
garden. See page 10 for more information.

Boy's Youth Life Group
See page 14.

Youth Archery Tag
6pm - 9:30pm
See page 15.

Bike Blessing & BBQ

After our intergenerational worship gathering, join us outside for a
BBQ (bring picnic blanket or chairs). Bring your bike for a blessing
and short bike ride around the neighbourhood.

Community Yard Sale

Times may change, check our events page below.
To volunteer, see page 9. Also read more about it on our events page
online: http://www.springgardenchurch.ca/events.

If you would like to receive a weekly e-mail update on whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening
in Spring Garden, please visit the SGC website (www.springgardenchurch.
ca) and add your email address on our home page to subscribe to our
weekly e-mail. Also keep you eye on our Events page at http://www.
22
springgardenchurch.ca/events.

Our Values
We believe in a humble God who came not to be served, but to
serve. Therefore we engage in sacrificial and active service to those
around us. We strive to be good stewards of God’s gifts and talents
by serving one another in humility. We aspire to regard others as
higher than ourselves, which liberates us to creatively take risks in
serving others for God’s glory.
We believe in a God of grace who came to save the world, not to
condemn it. Therefore, as we are continuously receiving the gift of
God’s grace, we seek to grow in that grace and extend it to others.
We strive to define ourselves by what we are for, not what we are
against.
We believe in a God who knows us, and who desires to be known.
Therefore we embrace a journey of faith that requires us to
constantly strive for a personal, intimate and transformative
knowledge of God. We strive to be led by God’s Spirit in supporting
and encouraging one another in working out our faith.
We believe in a creative God. Therefore we are open to expressing
our faith in new and creative ways that reflect the beauty and
complexity of our creator. We are called to use our creative gifts in
worship and service as we engage with our world. We take joy in
the diversity of gifts that allow us to delight God and participate in
His ongoing story.
We believe in a triune, relational God who calls us to come together
as a diverse community of believers. Therefore, we want to walk
together, supporting one another physically, emotionally and
spiritually. We strive to be a welcoming, inclusive family that goes
through the joys and the trials of life together, acknowledging that
God uses this community to deepen and mature our faith.
We believe in a God who loves this broken world and wants to
reconcile us to Himself. Therefore we are commissioned by Christ
to go out into the world, meeting the holistic needs of the local and
global community. God calls us to participate in a redemptive work
that he has already initiated; in humility, we will partner with others
to work alongside and chase after Him.
We believe in a God who is our center. Therefore where we are on
the journey is less important than that we are moving towards a
deeper relationship with Christ. We believe and participate in God’s
redemptive work in all people, which gives us the freedom to come
as we are, and to accept others as they are. We each are on a